Archived: Winstonian House

At this inspection we spoke with three people living in the home. One person told us "staff are keeping my room clean" and "the redecoration is nice, they are doing lots of work upstairs". Another person said they were happy with the cleanliness of their room.

We found cleaning schedules were in place and being monitored to ensure a clean and hygienic environment was provided. Refurbishment of the home had improved the cleanliness of shared areas. People were protected against the risks of acquiring an infection.

People's care records were being reviewed and kept up to date. There was evidence they were being involved in this process. Where there were changes to people's needs their care records were updated to reflect these. People were protected against the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care.

People's needs had been assessed and the planning and delivery of care reflected their wishes and aspirations. Their likes, dislikes and routines were respected. Activities were scheduled but some people and their visitors felt that more could be offered.

People said the food was good and we observed them being offered choices about the food and drink provided. People had access to drinks, fresh fruit and snacks.

Concerns had been raised about the cleanliness of the home. The standards of cleanliness and hygiene were variable. The provider was aware of this and had made changes to address this. Parts of the home and some equipment were in need of attention.

Areas of the home were being refurbished and redecorated. Individual rooms and en suites were being upgraded. People told us they were happy with their rooms and enjoyed sitting in the garden in the summer.

There were sufficient staff with the skills, knowledge and experience to support people. People told us "look after us well". Visitors commented, "everyone's kind" and "lovely staff, very friendly".

Some care records and other records required for the management of the service were not being kept accurately.

At our inspection on 11 and 12 December 2012 we found that people were not protected against the risks associated with the unsafe management and administration of medicines. At this inspection we found that two new medication cupboards had been placed on the ground and first floors in addition to the original medication cabinet on the lower ground floor. Medicines were being stored safely and securely.

On 11 and 12 December 2012 we found that people who lived in the home, staff and visitors were not protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises. There was not adequate maintenance in place to ensure the proper operation of the premises. At this inspection we found that carpets had been steam cleaned or replaced with washable floor covering. A fire door had been replaced. Plans were in place to renovate the exterior of the home. We found that this standard was met.

Three people told us staff talked to them at least every month about their care needs. One person said, "they ask if there is anything I wish to change, they ask alot of things and I know they would do their best to do it". We found that people's care needs were being monitored and reassessed each month. Where people's needs had changed they were referred promptly to other social and health care professionals for support or treatment.

We found that medication was not being kept safely during the medication round. The manager said they would take action to address this. The home was not meeting this standard.

The decor of the home needed some attention both inside and outside. Day to day maintenance issues were being identified but not responded to in a timely fashion. The home was not meeting this standard.

People told us,"staff are very good" and "they are wonderful". Staff said there were sufficient of them on duty to meet people's needs.